November 9, 2008

Peter’s Epistle of Hope

Parting Words

1 Peter 5:1-11

Opening Words Clare Boothe Luce once wrote, “There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them.” Could it be that you have grown hopeless? The world in which we live is complex and the problems seem great. This morning‘s newspaper is filled with nothing but bad news. Our country is demanding change because lost hope is the status quo. That is why I have preached this sermon series. This is last sermon in my five part sermon series I have called Peter’s Epistle of Hope, Sermons on First Peter.

Tradition tells us Peter died being crucified upside down. As the story goes, he was leaving Rome, escaping Christian persecution. As he was walking out of the great city he meets Jesus walking into the city. Peter asks Christ, “Where are you going?“ The Master responds, “I am going to the cross to take your place.“ With those words he returns to the city and finds himself on a cross. However, he protests. He is not worthy to died like Christ. He requests to be crucified upside down. We do not know his parting words on that cross but we do know his parting words in First Peter. They are our scripture lesson for today. We find ourselves in the first eleven verses of the fifth chapter. Let me call this message Parting Words.

1 Peter 5:1-11 1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

On February 17, 1791 the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, preached his last sermon. His primary text that day was Isaiah 55:6, "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near." The following day he grew sick and was put into his bed on City Road. He laid in that bed for several weeks before death came. He died on March 2, 1791. Those who were with him heard his last words. Those words were, "The best of all is, God is with us!"

Isn’t it amazing? We spend a lifetime talking. I have no clue how many words the average person utters in an average day, a month or a year. How many words does the average person say in a lifetime? How many words do you think you say in an average day? This is the truth. Most of the words that we utter are forgotten, some of our words are ignored. Why is it our last words are so important? Countless times I have stood around the bed of a loved one who is near the end. They awake for a few seconds and try to speak. Everyone draws silent and draws near. No one wants to miss those sacred words. The last words someone speaks often reveals the very essence of the person’s soul. Let me just give you a few examples.

When Confederate General Stonewall Jackson died he said, “Let me pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.”

When the great missionary Hudson Taylor was dieing he looked at a friend and said, "I am so weak. I can't read my Bible. I can't even pray. I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child and trust."

When the great evangelist Dwight L. Moody died in Kansas City. He was with his son, Will. He looked at Will and said, “It is like a trance. If this is death, it is sweet. There is no valley here. God is calling me, and I must go."

John Bacon, eminent 18th-century English sculptor, said on his deathbed, "What I was as an artist seemed to be of some importance while I lived, but what I really am is a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only thing of importance to me now."

English physicist and chemist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was asked, "Have you ever pondered by yourself what will be your occupation in the next world?" Faraday hesitated awhile and then responded, "I shall be with Christ, and that is enough."

When Gandhi died he said, “My days are numbered. For the first time in 50 years I find myself despondent. All about me is darkness... “

The great reformer Martin Luther parting words were, "Our God is the God from whom cometh salvation: God is the Lord by whom we escape death."

John Knox last words were, "Live in Christ, live in Christ, and the flesh need not fear death."

John Calvin said, “Thou, Lord, bruises me; but I am abundantly satisfied, since it is from Thy hand."

The author of Amazing Grace John Newton parting words were, “I am a great sinner but I serve a greater Savior.”

Have you every stopped to consider what your parting words will be? None of us are going to need these words today. I hope you don’t need these words for decades. But there will come a time in the future when you will pass from this world. What would you like to say to your loved ones? Would anyone here use those sacred words and remind your loved one to take out the trash or empty the dish washer? Would anyone one here use those sacred words and remind your loved one of the presidential election of 2008? Or would you expose those sacred words to expose your heart? Would anyone here use those sacred words and say, “I am sorry?” Would anyone here use those parting words and say, “I will miss you!” Would anyone here today use those parting words and say, “I love you!”

We have come to the last chapter of First Peter. What was read to you were Peter’s parting words. He is not dieing but he is near the end of his life. These words maybe his final communication to the church. Remember this letter was to be read by all the Christian in his time. He does not use these sacred words to reminisce about some past experience with Christ. He does not use these sacred words to remind them of his leadership in the formation of the church. He does not use these to challenge to a higher purpose. He uses his parting words to encourage the people by reminding them that they are special to God. That is what they needed to hear. That is what we need to hear. He does this by reminding them and us of three great divine truths. You can find them sprinkled throughout this passage. So if you are ready to look at Peter’s parting words say, “Amen!“

A Talented Person

In verse one he addresses the Elders of the church. In our traditions the Elders are fully ordained clergy. In Peter’s day they were simply the leaders of the church. As leaders they used their various talents to minister to the church and evangelize for Jesus. In certain ways it hasn’t changed. Our congregation is fueled by talented leaders who lead our congregation. Do you consider yourself a talented person? Let me be honest with you. I consider you talented people but what I really marvel at is you dedication. I am amazed at the countless hours many of you spend in this building. I applaud you for both your talent and your dedication.

Michelangelo is recognized as the greatest sculptor of all time. He attributed much of his success to his teacher, Bertoldo de Giovanni. Bertoldo was wise enough to realize that gifted people are often tempted to coast rather than to grow, and therefore he kept trying to pressure his young prodigy to work seriously at his art. One day he came into the studio to find Michelangelo toying with a piece of sculpture far beneath his abilities. Bertoldo grabbed a hammer, stomped across the room, and smashed the work into tiny pieces, shouting this unforgettable message, "Michelangelo, talent is cheap; dedication is costly!"

One of the things that amazing me about this church is the number of truly talented dedicated people are in our congregation. God has wired each person differently. Just stop and think about all the talents that are represent in an average week in the life of this church. There is more to it than simply preaching a sermon. We need people who are able to play the organ or the piano. We need people to sing the anthem. We need people to run the sound system and make sure the temperature is just right. We need people to run the projection system at 9:15. We need people to unlock the doors and then lock the doors. We need people to change the sign. We need people to teach Sunday School for adults and people to teach Sunday School for the young. We need people to staff Junior Church. This week we needed two teams to cook meals for two grieving families. Do I have to go on? Our church is not large enough to hire professionals to do all these things. We are dependant on talented dedicated volunteers. The truth is we have some wonderfully talented people in this church, who are will to offer their time and their talents. I never had to challenge you to do more because you give all that you have freely because you want to make a difference for Jesus in this community. May God bless each one of you. And all of God’s people said, “Amen!“

A Humble Person

I love the story of the great preacher George Whitfield. He was a contemporary of John Wesley. History tells us Whitfield and Wesley disagreed on some minor points of theology. The media made a big issue out of the conflict. When someone asked Whitefield if he thought he would see Wesley in heaven, Whitfield replied, "I fear not, for he will be so near the eternal throne and I at such a distance, I shall hardly get sight of him." History tells us George Whitfield was a talented man but the story tells us he was a humble man.

Do you consider yourself a humbled person? Do the people in your life consider you a humble person? Humility is not a lack of self worth. Humility is admitting the fact that God has given you certain skills and using those skills not just for person gain but for divine purpose. God has given you that talent not to hoard but to use in the Kingdom. Verses five and six say, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” And all of God’s people said, “Amen!” Dwight L. Moody once said, “Be humble or you'll stumble.”

A Cherished Person

Verse seven says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Do you consider yourself a cherished person? On his deathbed, British preacher Charles Simeon smiled brightly and asked the people gathered in his room, "What do you think especially gives me comfort at this time?" When they all remained silent, he exclaimed, "The creation! I ask myself, 'Did Jehovah create the world or did I?' He did! Now if He made the world and all the rolling spheres of the universe, He certainly can take care of me. Into Jesus' hands I can safely commit my spirit!"

That is the good news for today. If God has the power to create the universe in which we live, then God has the power to take care of you! Never forget you are a talented person. You need to be a humble person. You are a cherished person. And all of God's people said, "Amen!"